Western cyclone., 1887-07-22
uz a GIRLS SACRIFICE.

Rladness the subject of the parental chast-
ening steps into the shadow OF disappolnt-
ment and loss. The fair skies are over
cast, and the poor, auttering heart trem-
bles at the enrolling storm.
1t was thus with Agatha Trenton. On
the heels of well nigh bewildering happi-
ness had come crushing disaster.
Agatha was the daughter of Brakshire
clergyman, and was the eldest OF some
numerous family. Her mother, for several
years had been complete invalid, and on
Agatha's shoulders rested the burden OF
household management. 1t was not light
one. The vicar of HiItworth had no pri-
vate means, and his income OF thithes and
endowment was not large. There was
need for considerable scheming and for
continued self denial, if the finance OF the
vicarage was to be ordered honestly in the
sight of all men. It was probably the
pressure of this load of care that made
Agatha Trenton so different from other
girls. At 30 there were those among her
acquaintances who openly spoke OF her as
old-fashioned She was fair OF feature and
graceful of figure; the most captious OF
critics were forced to admit so much. But
there was about her reticence, peculiar,
subdued air that seemed to shut her OIL be-
hind walls of mental isolation.
Agatha is a good girl only wish l
were half as useful; but she'll never mar
~" said vivacious Mabel Sutton to a
friend. Agatha keeps too much in the
background; no lover will venture to ap-
proaeh."
1t was an erring prophecy. In less than
q fortnight from the evening OF its ut
terance, the friend who had so gravely
listened to it, had placed himself and his
fortunes at Agatha's feet.
Roderick Dalling was q good match.
He was proprietor of the mill which had
Just been opened at the north end of Hit
worth, and which was destined-OT local
opinion was mistaken-tO revOlutiOnize
the hitherto quiet midland town. He had
. handsome presence, an irreprOachable
character, the assurance Of moderate
competency.
my love is not the growth of yester-
day" he pleaded; lit has been developing
day by day for months; it grows stronger
with every glimpse l get of you, with
every word hear you speak. Give me an
answer, Miss TrentOn-Agatha!"
The maiden was rosy with sur prise, and
trembled at the vehemence of the young
mans avowal. But already her heart
was enlisted on Roderick's side, and be-
fore he left her she had shyly confessed
the truth
II cannot deny that l do-care little,
she stammered; ''but. indeed, l can't
promise what you ask-this afternoon; /
must have q chance to think. There are
difficulties"
Agatha was listening, as she spoke, to
the echoes Of noisy voices in the nursery,
and before her mental retina rose the
picture of the pale suffering mother in
an adjoining room. If she consented to
4OrSake her home, the vicar would have to
engage housekeeper
Il understand it all, Roderick replied,
gently. Nevertheless, believe even
your father-whO of necessity must lose if
gain-will advise you to say yes will
call tomorrow, and know my fate, Miss
Trenton"
The morrow came, but the vicar of
Hiltworth could answer kno question of
human lips. In the night watches the
Masters messenger had visited the bedside
of the faithful t3iler Francis Trenton had
gone Ionic. ItwaS heart-diseaSe, the ply
sician sid, from which, unsupported even
by himself, he had probably been in dan
ger many years.
The outlook for Agatha was entirely
changed. When the last sad offices for
the dear one had been fulfilled it was nee
eSSary to look the future fairly in the face;
and this forecast was far from agreeable.
An insurance policy for no very large
sum represented the resources of the
bereaved family. Mrs. Trenton was in
despair. Fortunately, Agatha possessed
genuine talent for painting. She had
already earned a slender store of gold by
utilizing 1t, and now resolved to make a
more extended and determined effort to
conquer the appreciation of paying pa
irons. She must become, in u sterner
sense than ever, the stay of the helpless
household
With an instructive delicacy, Roderick
Dalling refrained, during these days OF
trial, from even the remotest reference to
the offer he had made. He expressed sym
pathy; he afforded unoStentatious assist
ance where an opportunity disclosed itself.
But of love he said nothing
Yet the girl knew that. though silent,
he was simply biding her time. Sooner or
later it was inevitable that her ordeal
should arrive. Alone, in the solitude of
her chamber, not seldom seen on her
knees. she groped her way to a decision,
and, having reached it, she held it fast.
She would give Roderick up. She had no
right to ask any young man to wait indeti
nitely. and to the struggle she had entered
she saw no limit within long vista of
years. 1t was impossible that she should
impose her burden upon Roderick, even if
he were cnamOred enough TO invite il
She must fight her own battle with her
own brains and fingers. The young man
ufacturer was expecting his brother from
the North shortly The two would then
settle down together, and Roderick could
find wife and houSemiStreSs in-AgathS
thought, with pang. Mabel Sutton.
A whole month went by, and then Rod
Srick ventured to speak.
Agatha, dearest" he said. "can you
not give me the promise for which am
waiting? hope this is not too haSty an